University officials at Western Washington University, located in Bellingham, Washington, confirmed the deaths of two students in separate incidents on October 9 and 10, 2024. The incidents occurred within a 24-hour period.
Nash Hall was the scene of the first incident, where a student fell from the building around 10:30 p.m. on October 9, prompting an emergency response. The following day, another student was found unresponsive in Alma Clark Glass Hall, a dormitory on the same campus.
According to law enforcement, there were “no initial indications of foul play” in either case. They also stated that there appears to be no link between the two deaths, nor is there any ongoing threat to the campus community.
The student who fell from Nash Hall was identified as Micah Mazzuca, a recent enrollee at Western Washington University. According to reports, Mazzuca, pursuing a double major in music and education, aspired to become a high school choir, drama, and English teacher.
Both students were 18 years old, as identified by the medical examiner. The cause of death in the first incident was determined to be suicide, following the fall from the residence hall. Preliminary investigations suggest the second student may have died from a drug overdose on the previous night, as per law enforcement officials.
These events are described as “heartbreaking” by university officials. The university, home to roughly 14,747 students and located 21 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border, has made counseling and wellness resources accessible to students and staff through the WWU Counseling and Wellness Center and Employee Assistance Program.
The university stated it will withhold further details about the deaths until the completion of the investigations, in order to respect the privacy of the students’ families.